Notes from the Federal Palace According to the Swiss Federal Constitution, the Confederation must contribute to strengthening relationships uniting the Swiss Abroad amongst themselves and with Switzerland, and it must support institutions that act with this aim. The same goes for the federal law concerning Swiss people and institutions abroad, better known under the name of the “Swiss Abroad Act” (LSEtr). The relevant ordinance, which takes up this principle, states that the Confederation can support institutions which allocate aid to the Swiss Abroad in specific domains, which are active throughout the entire world and which provide assistance to the Swiss Abroad. To this end, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) receives an annual federal grant for which Swiss aid organisations can apply. This funding is augmented by contributions from certain cantons wishing to support their citizens living abroad who are registered with their relevant Swiss representation abroad. This financial aid is allocated primarily to Swiss associations and institutions, which provide support to the Swiss Abroad who find themselves in difficult social situations due to illness, age or solitude. This type of aid is intended to cover living or accommodation costs or to make a contribution towards household expenses, or the costs of medical care and equipment, for example. In addition, aid services can be allocated in the form of training projects, like study grants, the partial payment of school fees or a contribution to homes for elderly or indigent individuals. Those who are unable to provide for themselves and who already benefit from social service assistance from the Confederation do not have this right. The request for financial assistance is sent by the aid association directly to the relevant representation, where the request is considered and the requirements are Aid associations for the Swiss Abroad Did you know that Swiss solidarity functions through approximately 60 aid organisations around the world? The Société Helvétique de Bienfaisance in France celebrated its bicentenary in 2021. This humanitarian tradition can also be seen further afield, for example in the Philippines, where Switzerland supports the Swiss Benevolent Foundation. evaluated based on the explanation provided and the financial documentation. The Consular Directorate of the FDFA then examines all of the files. The decisions will take into account the available resources. Our general consulates and embassies, which have established direct local collaboration relationships with these institutions, ensure the provision of the aid services potentially available to the Swiss Abroad. Although the number of cases of this kind of support remains low, this tool enables support to be provided to our fellow citizens who find themselves in difficult circumstances. 1 Art. 40, para. 1 Cst (RS 101) 2 Arts. 34, 38 and 58, let. C LSEtr (RS 195. 1); Arts. 40 and 46 OSEtr (RS 195.11) A historical document from a turbulent era: the Federal Council expresses its thanks to the Société Helvétique de Bienfaisance de Paris (SHB) in 1936 for underwriting a bond to fund Switzerland’s national defence, assuring it of “the country’s gratitude for this patriotic gesture”. Photo: SHB archive, Paris 26
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